SuperCoach BBL expert Paige Cardona reveals her first XI
After 100-odd changes and scenarios – not to mention a fair bit of cursing at the fixture team for handing Adelaide the Round 1 bye – I’ve finally managed to settle on my team leading into Round 1.
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After 100-odd changes and scenarios – not to mention a fair bit of cursing at the fixture team for handing Adelaide the Round 1 bye – I’ve finally managed to settle on my team leading into Round 1.
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But like all teams, some players will miss out. Alex Carey I’ve decided to overlook after my initial plans were to stash him away in preparation for Round 2, but the fact he’ll bat in the middle of the order means I’m passing him over. Marcus Stoinis I was desperately after, but I just can’t make him fit as I’m hoping to get off to the best start possible by loading up on DGW players. And then there’s Daniel Sams; I was $200 away from slotting him into my side in replace of Aaron Finch, but alas the ‘Gades opener will suffice!
BATSMEN
USMAN KHAWAJA – $198,500
I’ve got no issues forking out this much for Uzzi, it’s an investment I’m happy to get the chequebook out for. He should light up the runs board for the Thunder and, in return, put some serious points on the board for ramPAIGE.
CHRIS LYNN – $173,000
It wasn’t the best of tournaments last year from Heat captain Chris Lynn, but his T10 form was drool-worthy. Lynn is a master at the short-form game and a man of his ilk cannot be kept down for too long. Truth be told, I have more fear of starting the season without than I do with him.
AARON FINCH – $167,000
He might be out of favour for a Test call-up, but he’s certainly not out of favour for a call-up to ramPAIGE’s SuperCoach side. Finch won’t hang around all season, but he’s an absolute moral to get the season off to a flyer at the ‘Gades.
TOM BANTON – $125,000
English import and reigning CWC Young Player of the Year in October, Tom Banton will arrive on Australian shores for his first crack at the Big Bash League this summer, and with him he’ll be bringing an incredible form line he’s established over the last 12 months. As a top-order hitter and a talented gloveman, Banton – who has signed for the Brisbane Heat – will likely pair with fellow young gun Max Bryant and at $125,000 he is huge value.
DAN HUGHES – $115,500
If there’s a player who loves to start hot at the beginning of the BBL season, it’s Dan Hughes. Off the back of his best BBL season yet where he made 399 runs at a strike rate of 130 and ended his campaign as the Sixers’ leading run-scorer, Hughes comes into the new BBL season with a rich vein of form having finished as the Marsh Cup’s leading run-scorer with 440 runs.
BENCH:
JAKE FRASER-MCGURK $42,000
Will be stiff to miss Round 1 given the depth on the ‘Gades list but he’ll certainly see some action. He’s a great bench option who’ll get his opportunity.
CAM GREEN $42,000
A solid BAT / BWL option giving me flexibility between both positions. Green won’t see much if any bowling time but is a specialist hitter and will bat inside the top six at the Scorchers.
WICKET KEEPER
JOSH PHILIPPE – $123,500
It’s hard to believe that last year was Josh Philippe’s rookie season in Magenta having crossed from Perth for greater opportunity. He blasted 304 runs last tournament at a strike rate of 160 and put himself firmly on the BBL SuperCoach map after finishing with 89 not out off 49 balls against Hobart at the SCG. In BBL|09, he is as a must-start option for ramPAIGE.
BENCH
JIMMY PEIRSON – $62,500
A cheap gloveman who’ll keep full time, Jimmy Peirson has never been a hugely SuperCoach relevant player but his form in the Marsh One Day Series has been exemplary.
BOWLERS
D’ARCY SHORT – $262,800
Although he doesn’t feature in the opening double game week, it won’t matter one bit. D’Arcy Short is a certified star of the Big Bash and should be in all starting teams. Nothing to be said here that hasn’t already been mention – he is a bonafide star.
TOM CURRAN – $210,000 (CAPTAIN)
Captain Curran will lead ramPAIGE in Round 1 and with good reason. The English import was fifth for wickets in BBL|08 and was a monster at the death making him a firm captaincy option in Round 1. Relishes the opportunity to bat with an average of 30 last season and a strike rate of 144.
BEN CUTTING – $182,900
A SuperCoach favourite of mine and should jump $20,000-odd in price after a double game week in Round 1. Knows how to score well with the bat and ball and will be selected in plenty of teams.
BEN LAUGHLIN – $107,300
The Heat was smashed in the bowling department last year and failed to threaten many opposition batsmen but with the arrival of the BBL’s best wicket-taker in Ben Laughlin, they’ll have some seriously good arsenal at their disposal. Laughlin will undoubtedly bowl his maximum overs and at that price is too enticing to overlook.
MOISES HENRIQUES $101,500
I just love this guy. The evergreen Sixes captain couldn’t bowl last season owing to an array of injuries that limited him to the bat only, but the 32-year-old is back with the white ball and looms as an absolute bargain. If you’re not on him, it’s time to reconsider.
BENCH:
WILL SUTHERLAND – $42,000
We’ve been waiting for his arrival and we’re set to get it, there’s no better-selected cheapie in the game at the minute than Will Sutherland. The all-rounder provides much-needed flex between BAT / BWL and will relish his opportunity in BBL|09 after injury put a line through his BBL|08 campaign.
NATHAN ELLIS – $42,000
Recently signed by the ‘Canes as their designated speedster, Nathan Ellis has had a rapid rise to BBL ranks after a monster lead into the tournament with New South Wales and Tasmanian premier league cricket. Replaces Jofra Archer on the list and is tipped to do some serious damage with the ball.
Originally published as SuperCoach BBL expert Paige Cardona reveals her first XI